The Youth Climate Action Accelerator (YCAA), in collaboration with Equality Accelerator, Danida, C40 Cities, Slum Dwellers International and UN-Habitat, officially brought its climate action project to a close on Monday, with a strong call for young people to sustain and expand climate initiatives beyond the lifespan of the programme.

The close-out ceremony, held on June 29 at the Vanilla Complex in Aberdeen, Freetown, under the theme “Our Journey, Our Impact, Our Future,” brought together youth-led organisations, government officials, development partners and community representatives to celebrate the project’s achievements and showcase innovative youth-driven solutions addressing climate and environmental challenges.

Several youth organisations exhibited projects developed through the initiative, including Nature for Mangroves, YICA, YAICTT, Women for Make, Eco Tourism Hub, YouthVIBE, Break the Silence, Girls in Renewable Energy, Sound and Art for Change, SafetySphere, Youth Panel Circle and Our Recycling Hub.

Related News

Delivering the welcome address, Head of Programme Development, Quality, Policy and Influencing at Plan International Sierra Leone, Paul Kamara, described the event as a transition rather than an end to the YCAA project. He said the initiative had laid a solid foundation for youth organisations to continue serving their communities through climate action and innovation.

Kamara encouraged participating organisations to see the end of donor support not as a conclusion, but as an opportunity to build on the relationships, knowledge and experience gained throughout the programme. He noted that Plan International has worked with young people for more than five decades and remains committed to supporting youth empowerment whenever opportunities arise.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Youth Affairs also commended YCAA and Plan International for creating opportunities for young people to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for their communities. The Minister announced that the ministry is preparing to launch a national innovation competition with attractive prizes aimed at encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship among young people across the country.

He urged youth organisations to continue developing practical innovations and recommended the expansion of similar programmes into schools, especially at the junior secondary level, to cultivate environmental awareness and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Drawing from his own experience, the minister encouraged young people to remain resilient despite challenges, stressing that talent must always be matched with opportunity.

Representatives of partner organisations reaffirmed their support for youth-led climate initiatives. Speaking on behalf of C40 Cities, Sallieu praised the creativity displayed by participating groups and urged them to continue advancing solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and national development.

On behalf of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC), Chairman Jones pledged continued support for youth initiatives, assuring that local communities would remain open to partnering with young innovators in addressing climate-related challenges.

The Councillor for Congo Town also applauded the initiative, noting that several project activities had directly benefited residents in the community and called for similar programmes to be extended to more parts of Sierra Leone.

The event further featured sessions on safeguarding and community safety. Safeguarding facilitator Maada Akyatu educated participants on key principles of safeguarding, while security expert Abdulai Square provided insights into Sierra Leone’s security environment. He described the country as peaceful but warned that internal challenges such as social tensions and drug-related issues require vigilance and collective responsibility.

Beneficiaries shared testimonies on the impact of the programme. One participant explained how discarded vehicle tyres are being transformed into furniture, creating income opportunities while reducing waste. Another beneficiary revealed how the project had helped redirect vulnerable youths from drug abuse into mangrove restoration activities, strengthening coastal resilience and protecting communities against flooding.

The event ended with the presentation of certificates to participating youth organisations in recognition of their contributions to climate action, environmental protection and community development.

The YCAA project has equipped youth-led organisations with knowledge, skills and practical support to implement locally driven climate solutions, leaving behind a foundation organisers hope will continue to grow long after the project’s official closure.